The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45424

Raquel Vazquez, HRPC, University Of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, 850 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60612, 773-263-6323, raquel571@yahoo.com and Jesus Ramirez-Valles, PhD, MPH, Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago School of Public Health, m/c 923, 2035 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612.

Individuals continue to engage in unprotected sexual behavior, increasing their risk for HIV. Health promoters, hence, face the challenge of developing effective prevention strategies, especially among gay men of color. In this study, we examine the factors and circumstances under which Latino gay men engage in unprotected sex. Eighty life history interviews were conducted (40 in Chicago; 40 in San Francisco). Fifty-six participants reported engaging in unprotected anal sex. Preliminary analysis reveals factors such as substance use, public/anonymous sex, homophobia, racism, and the context of emotional relationships (e.g., boyfriend/partner). Thus, the contexts and social factors related to risk behavior need be better understood and incorporated into current interventions.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• describe at least three factors and contexts leading to unprotected sex among Latino gay men
• understand the application of life history method to analyze sexual risk behaviors.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Gay Men

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.